Gone are the days of bed rest for managing musculoskeletal injuries, and the same can be said for low back pain (LBP) treatment and prevention.
LBP is one of the most common and debilitating conditions worldwide, with approximately 70% of people having a recurrent episode within 12 months.
The WalkBack trial is a recent study that found substantial benefits by using walking and education to reduce low back pain recurrence.
The trial used 20 Physiotherapists across Australia to provide education and an individualised walking program to 701 patients, to change beliefs about LBP and its correct management.
The study showed the median time until LBP recurrence was 208 days in the intervention group, compared to 112 days in the control group. Results also demonstrated other benefits such as weight loss, improved sleep, and reduced stress in the intervention group. This highlights the power of moving the body, to stay injury-free, for longer!
Current LBP can be a difficult condition to manage without the help of a Physiotherapist or other clinician. Therefore, it is still important to consult with our Physiotherapists to reduce pain and improve strength, before continuing to use a walking program, and help get you back on (the walking) track!
